About Us

Russell – Orongo Bay Holiday Park is one of the few places in New Zealand (as filmed by the BBC Natural History unit for the program Earth’s Mythical Islands, shown worldwide in 2016) where you have a chance to see brown kiwi and are guaranteed to see the North Island weka in their natural environment as they roam around the park and the surrounding native bush.  We are:

  • 2022 TIA Sustainable Innovation Award winner
  • 2019 & 2021 Predator Free NZ Award winner
  • One of New Zealand’s best campgrounds as recommended by Stuff NZ

The park is set amongst 14 acres of native New Zealand bush where there is a wide diversity of New Zealand flora and fauna, up to 150 species of birds and a magnificent night sky due to the low light.   The park is central to all that is on offer in the Bay of Islands and located only minutes from Russell township.   

Stay with us and a portion of what you pay is used to restore habitat, save endangered wildlife and maintain ongoing plant and animal pest control within our predator free holiday park.  

You can’t help but take in the sights and sounds of nature making a stay with us a truly unique experience. 

 

Our Park Managers

Introducing our Park Managers, Kelly and Shane Maddren.
Kelly and Shane have been part of the Kororareka Russell community for over 20years. With 6 children, 15yrs to 37yrs, and 7 Moko (grandchildren) they are busy enjoying life. They also own two businesses in Kororareka Russell, The Russell Mini Tours, a Tourism business, and Love Lawns, Property Maintenance.
They are involved with Project Island Song, a restoration project, and the St John Russell Area Committee.
Passionate about our environment and finding ways to inspire others to consider life – past, present, and future.
They are very excited to be part of The Russell-Orongo Bay Holiday Park team, hosting you at our Park, and creating memorable experiences here in The Bay

 

 

Karakia

Tukua te wairua
Kia rere ki ngā taumata
Hei ārahi i ā tātou mahi
Me tā tātou whai i ngā tikanga ā rātou mā
Kia mau
Kia ita
Kia kore ai e ngaro
Kia pupuri
Kia whakamaua Kia tina! Hui ē! Tāiki ē!

Allow your spirit to exercise its potential, to guide us in our work and in our pursuit of our ancestral traditions. Ensure it is never lost, hold fast, secure it! Draw together! Affirm! This Māori incantation is for the beginning of the day, allowing someone to exercise their full spiritual potential in the work that they do.